Titans practice Friday; long snapper Morgan Cox to return to Baltimore, several injury updates ahead of Ravens game
NASHVILLE The Tennessee Titans practiced at Vanderbilt Health Football Center on Friday as they prepared for Sundays game at Baltimore, and long snapper Morgan Cox will return to the city where he began his NFL career. The club held an on-field session to continue game-week preparations and to monitor player availability ahead of the trip. The team also continued its weekly practice routines and roster evaluations.
Cox entered the league in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Tennessee and is in his 17th season, with 264 career games including 11 postseason contests. He spent 11 seasons with the Ravens and was part of Baltimores 2012 Super Bowl team before signing with the Titans in 2021. Cox is a four-time captain and a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and at age 40 he said he still enjoys the job as much as when he started at 23. The team said several of Coxs family members will attend Sundays game, his first regular-season appearance in Baltimore since he played for the Ravens.
Safety Kevin Winston Jr. was added to the injury report on Thursday with a shoulder issue and did not practice on Friday; he is listed as questionable on the teams final report. Coach Robert Saleh said he would monitor Winstons condition and that the staff would see how Winston felt going forward. Defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (back) and running back Tony Pollard (foot) practiced on Friday and are available to play. Running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) also returned to practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday.
Saleh declined to name the starter at right guard following injuries to Fernando Carmona and Jackson Slater suffered against the New York Giants; both linemen were placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. The team promoted Garrett Dellinger to the active roster this week, where he joined Atonio Mafi on the depth chart. The Titans also list guard Drew Moss on the practice squad and rookie Pat Coogan as the backup center on the active roster. Saleh said he felt good about the direction of the position group and the way the players worked during the week.
The Ravens ruled out edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (finger), center Jovaughn Gywn (thumb) and center Ethan Pocic (knee) for Sundays game. At Fridays practice, defensive tackle Jackie Marshall, tight end Joel Wilson and defensive back Jalen McMurray wore the black jerseys that denote scout-team performers who stood out during the week. As part of his weekly routine, Saleh represented Greeneville High School during Fridays media availability. The club will hold a walkthrough on Saturday in Nashville before traveling to the Baltimore area later that day for Sundays game.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Morgan Coxs return to Baltimore is the most notable personal storyline of the week and underscores his veteran presence on special teams. His long career, postseason experience and leadership credentials make him a stabilizing figure for the Titans snap unit. The matchup carries personal and emotional weight for Cox as he faces the club where he began his career.
The Titans appear to have managed several injury concerns well, with John Franklin-Myers and Tony Pollard returning to full practice and Tyjae Spears trending toward availability as a questionable designation. The losses of Fernando Carmona and Jackson Slater to injured reserve leave the right guard spot unsettled, but the promotion of Garrett Dellinger along with Atonio Mafi and available depth provide coach Robert Saleh with options. Kevin Winston Jr.s status will be worth monitoring, and Baltimores list of inactives along the interior and at edge rusher could alter matchups on Sunday.
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